Test Taking Tips - American Nurses Association
How to Prepare for ANCC Certification Exams
Congratulations!
Why congratulations? If you are reading this, you¡¯ve taken the first important step toward getting certified and advancing your career.
We want to help you navigate critical steps to take as you prepare for an ANCC certification exam. Here are some important tips and ideas to keep in mind:
1. Be confident
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In yourself
If you are considering ANCC certification,
that means you already have a great deal of
knowledge in the areas that are the focus of
the exam you are planning to take. You may
need to brush up on this or that content
area and gain a deeper understanding of
how the exam is structured, but overall,
you¡¯ve got it covered.
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The Test Reference List
There are a number of authoritative texts, such as those listed for each
certification, that are used to develop the certification examinations.
The list is provided to help you prepare for the examination and is not
intended to be all inclusive. The hyperlinks are included to help you
locate the resources. In the event that the publisher issues a new
edition, the hyperlink may change, requiring you to conduct a search for
the resource.
Sample Test Questions and Answers
Sample questions are provided that are similar to those on the
examination but do not represent the full range of content or levels of
difficulty. The answers to the sample questions are provided after the
last question. Please note: Taking these or any sample question(s) is not
a requirement to sit for an actual certification examination. Completion
of these or any other sample question(s) does not imply eligibility for
certification or successful performance on any certification examination.
3. Plan
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Develop a personal study plan
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Approximately 6 months before you take your exam, write up a
formal plan of study.
Include topics for study, a timetable, resources, and methods
of study that work for you.
Schedule regular times to study. Avoid cramming; it is
counterproductive.
Try to schedule your study periods in one-hour increments.
The key is to have a study plan that works for you and follow
through on it.
Take a review course
Taking a review course is an excellent way to assess your knowledge of
the test content. Be sure to take the review course well before the
exam date so you have plenty of time to master any areas of weakness
the course uncovers. People have a tendency to study what they know.
That will not help you master unfamiliar content. Concentrate on those
areas where your knowledge is not as strong.
Consider all possible ways to study
Find a study buddy or group, review current textbooks and articles,
review class notes, and join an online community. These additional
methods can augment your self-study efforts.
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Be realistic
Do not expect to know everything about all the topics in the TCO. Use
the percentage and number of questions in each of the major categories
to further refine the areas you choose to focus on. The most likely
diagnoses, not questions about rare diseases or atypical cases, will be
on the exam. Know the most likely presentation and most common
therapy.
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Pace Your Studying
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All the resources that ANCC provides
In addition to the TCO, other detailed information related to specific
exams is available, including a Test Reference List and sample test
questions with answers. Visit ANCC's Certification website to take
advantage of these resources.
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You must have basic content knowledge. In addition, you must be able to use this
information to think critically and make decisions based on facts. Memorize the
basics of the content areas you will be required to know.
The Test Content Outline (TCO) for your chosen exam
For each certification exam, ANCC provides a Test Content Outline that
identifies the areas that are included on the examination. This is your
roadmap to the exam. The percentage and number of questions in each
of the major categories of the scored portion of the examination are
also shown. Print the TCO and take notes on each objective to guide
your study process.
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4. Study
How the exams are developed and structured
Review the General Testing and Renewal Handbook. This booklet
provides a general overview of ANCC testing processes and procedures
and an overview of information on maintaining certification. Review it
carefully and be sure to bookmark the site so you can refer to it
frequently. This is critical information; it will give you insight into the
nature of your test. ANCC will also send you information about the test
site; keep that in a safe place until needed.
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Refer to your study plan regularly. Stick to your schedule. Take breaks
when you get tired. If you start procrastinating, get help from a friend or
reorganize your study plan. It is not necessary to follow your plan rigidly.
Adjust as you learn where you need to spend more time.
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2. Review
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Implement Your Study Plan
In your choice of ANCC certification
Trusted for our commitment to quality, the ANCC Certification Program
is nationally renowned as a true gauge of your ability to provide
excellent care. Colleagues and employers respect ANCC-certified nurses
as experts in their specialties. Exam content reflects real-world clinical
situations. Exams are designed to objectively assess entry-level
competency in advanced practice registered nursing or validate nursing
practice specialties, as well as inter-professional practice in specialty
fields.
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Stop studying for the examination when you start to feel
overwhelmed and look at what is bothering you.
Make changes accordingly when you start to feel this way.
Break overwhelming tasks into smaller tasks that you know you can
do.
Stop and take breaks while studying.
5. Certification Examination Tips
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Look for key points such as age, medical diagnosis, time frame,
comorbidity.
Look for key words such as, except, always, first, best.
Thoroughly read each question, and answer it, before looking at
choices.
Conserve mental energy.
Never assume information that is not given.
All information needed to answer the questions is provided.
There are 25 questions that are ungraded.
Answer the easy questions first, mark and return to the difficult
questions later.
Answer ALL questions.
6. Day Before Exam
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Don¡¯t study.
Review the General Testing Handbook as it offers information on the
testing center and what to expect.
Take time for yourself.
Try yoga or meditation.
Eat properly throughout the day.
Get a good night¡¯s rest.
Be sure to bring a government-issued ID card and your Prometric
scheduling confirmation to the test center.
Have all items requested for testing center laid out.
7. Day of Examination
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Eat a nutritious breakfast.
Before you leave, check the status of your testing center location by
visiting Prometric¡¯s site status page.
Give yourself plenty of driving time to get to the testing center.
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